The UK’s Mineral Products Association (MPA) has welcomed the British government’s 10-year infrastructure strategy, but says it lacks a proper focus on the supply chain to make these projects a reality.
The British government revealed plans to reform infrastructure procurement to support domestic industries and jobs in the supply chain. However the MPA, which was consulted on the strategy, called for a clear level of commitment and an end to the cycle of announcing ambitions only to scale them back through delay, descoping or even cancellation.
Plans to reform public sector procurement to favour the domestic supply chain have been particularly welcomed by cement producers, says the MPA. The UK’s cement industry is one of the most vulnerable to carbon leakage and is already facing high industrial energy costs among other challenges.
Diana Casey, executive director for cement at the MPA said: “The Government has made an important first step, but what’s missing is a proper focus on the supply chain to make these infrastructure projects a reality. Cement is especially vital and without a stable supply, ambitions to deliver major infrastructure like Sizewell C as well as roads, railways, airports, water, energy, digital and housing infrastructure, simply won’t happen.”
“The UK’s cement industry is at risk of disappearing. Imports have tripled in the last 20 years due to high industrial energy costs and uneven carbon taxation policies that make it harder for UK producers to compete.
Backing domestic production with a public procurement policy that puts a preference on UK-made materials will boost the economy, retain well-paid, regional jobs and ultimately help the Government deliver on its infrastructure promises,” she added.
